A federal judge has ordered the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador despite having protection from deportation due to risks of persecution.
The deportation, which occurred on March 15, 2025, came after a 2019 immigration judge’s ruling that had granted Abrego Garcia protection from removal. The U.S. government has acknowledged this as an “administrative error” and must facilitate his return by April 7, 2025.
“No one should be deported to the very country where a judge determined they will face persecution. It’s outrageous that due process means nothing to the federal administration,” said Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, expressing strong criticism of the federal government’s handling of the case.
The case has drawn attention to potential flaws in immigration enforcement procedures. During court proceedings, Department of Justice attorney Erez Reuveni admitted to the error, stating, “I’m also frustrated that I have no answers for you for a lot of these questions.”
Abrego Garcia’s attorney, Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, characterized the deportation as “the equivalent of a forcible expulsion,” highlighting the violation of his client’s previously granted protection status. The case details revealed by PBS NewsHour showed that Judge Paula Xinis deemed the deportation an “illegal act.”
The ruling’s significance extends beyond Abrego Garcia’s individual case, potentially influencing how similar deportation errors are handled in the future. The incident has sparked discussions about the importance of proper due process in immigration proceedings and the need for more rigorous oversight of deportation orders.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott joined other Maryland leaders in expressing concern over the apparent breakdown in due process, emphasizing the need for careful consideration in immigration enforcement decisions.
The case underscores the critical importance of adhering to judicial protections in immigration proceedings and the potentially life-threatening consequences when such protections are overlooked. As authorities work to return Abrego Garcia to the United States, the incident serves as a reminder of the need for careful review of deportation cases, especially those involving protected status individuals.